AROUND 100 business leaders from across the borough met at a special event aimed at helping them navigate the uncertain Brexit period.

They spoke with Cheshire West and Chester Council's Leader Louise Gittins and senior officers at the Let's Talk Business event in Oulton Park to find out what support is available.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's new deal was shot down in Parliament over the weekend leaving him forced by law to send a letter to the EU asking for another Brexit delay.

He is still hopeful he can get his deal through in time for the current EU exit date of October 31.

Cheshire West and Chester Council and its partner West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce will be offering businesses advice on how to tackle the impact of Brexit, whenever it happens.

Support includes:

  • Qualifying business could receive up to 10 hours fully funded tailored marketing support. It is available until 31 March 2020 and allocated on a first come basis
  • Businesses are being offered practical tips on building international relationships, including advice on export documentation and international trade. It is available until 31 March 2020.

For further information contact business@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or visit the Let’s Talk Business website: https://letstalkbizcw.co.uk/

The business leaders also learned about the council’s future plans for investment, regeneration and business support.

Cllr Gittins said: “Local growth is key to our future prosperity but it absolutely has to be inclusive. The challenge is to make sure local people can and do contribute to, and benefit from, the growth that we achieve.

“A comprehensive and effective local industrial strategy will mean residents will be supported to develop the skills they need, which will lead to an increase in the pool of talent available to every business. There will also be an improvement in the quality of jobs available to residents.

“This event was a great opportunity to meet some of the borough’s business leaders, speak to them about our plans for the future and discuss current schemes such as the ERDF project, the LEADER project, the Northgate project and the expansion of Winsford Industrial Estate.

“We are planning similar events in the future when we will discuss other issues such as procurement, skills and apprenticeships. We will keep residents and businesses informed about these forthcoming events and our future plans.”